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Forest Research home > Research > Protecting trees > Oak decline / dieback > Acute oak decline

Distribution of acute oak decline (AOD)

A new disease of oak with symptoms of stem bleeding

Distribution within England and Wales

Extensive stem bleeding has been reported on oak trees in urban, parkland, farmland and woodland environments in Britain. Most of the reports are concentrated in the Midlands but there are recent reports of the disease in south-east England and Wales. 

The map indicates areas where symptomatic trees have been identified from photographic evidence.

Map indicating areas in England and Wales where acute oak decline symptomatic trees have been identified from photographic evidence (2006-2010) - most occurances are south of The Wash and north of the Thames - but with increased reports south of the Thames
Map updated January 2011

Reporting affected trees

Oak trees with symptoms of extensive bleeding may be reported to our Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service:

Tel: 01420 23000
Email: ddas.ah@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Histogram of oak queries from 1990. Queries per year: 1990-1997=average 3, 1998-2005=average 12, 2006-2008=average 15 (10 confirmed AOD), 2009=46 (26 confirmed AOD), 2010=82 (43 confirmed AOD)

See also